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Heres why law enforcement wants you to report attempted

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FTC is urging consumers who encounter to report them rather than simply deleting the message, hanging up the phone or moving on.

• Fraud reports are added to the Consumer Sentinel Network, a national database available to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

• The FTC also uses consumer reports to identify new and warn the public about them through its Consumer Alerts.

Spotting a scam before losing money may feel like the end of the story. The Federal Trade Commission says it shouldn't be and is asking consumers for help.

In a new consumer alert, the agency is encouraging Americans who encounter fraud to tell someone about it and report it to the government. The reason is simple: information from consumers can help authorities identify emerging fraud schemes and potentially prevent other people from becoming victims.

"Many people experience fraud but never report it," the FTC said in its Aug. 28 alert, adding that scammers benefit when people remain silent.

The agency says even consumers who recognize a scam before losing money can provide useful information.

What happens when you report a scam?

When a consumer files a fraud report with the FTC, the information goes into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure national database that can be accessed by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

FTC investigators, attorneys and analysts examine those reports for patterns. A large number of complaints involving similar phone calls, text messages, emails, websites or payment methods can help investigators see that what appears to be an isolated incident is actually part of a larger operation.

Those reports can also contribute to investigations and enforcement cases. But enforcement isn't the only purpose.

The FTC says its staff studies consumer reports to identify new that deserve public attention. Those schemes can then become the subject of FTC Consumer Alerts explaining how the scam works and how people can avoid it.

That makes consumer reporting something of an early-warning system.

Tell someone else

The FTC is also encouraging consumers to do something that doesn't involve the government at all: tell another person about the scam.

Sharing what happened with a friend, relative or coworker can make that person more likely to recognize the same scheme when it reaches them.

That's increasingly important because scammers frequently use the same basic tactics against thousands of potential victims. A fraudulent text claiming to be from a toll agency, for example, may be sent to huge numbers of phones. An imposter claiming to represent a bank, government agency or utility company can make the same pitch repeatedly.

Knowing beforehand what the scam looks like can make it much easier to recognize.

The FTC's advice is straightforward: tell at least one person what the scam looked like so that person will be prepared if targeted.

Where to report fraud

Consumers can report suspected fraud through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC also offers a subscription service for its Consumer Alerts, which provide warnings about emerging and fraud trends.

Consumers who have actually paid a scammer may need to take additional action immediately. Depending on how the money was sent, that could include contacting a bank, credit card issuer, payment app or other financial institution and asking whether the transaction can be reversed.

Consumers who gave away sensitive personal information may also need to take steps to protect their accounts and identity.

But the FTC's latest message goes beyond what consumers should do after losing money. The agency wants people who successfully spot to report those encounters as well.

The message is that avoiding a scam protects one consumer. Reporting it and telling someone else about it may protect many more.

Consumers are unlikely to receive compensation

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Walmart will pay $50 million to settle federal allegations that its pharmacies illegally filled thousands of prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances.

• The Justice Department says Walmart employees sometimes filled prescriptions despite warning signs involving suspected pill mill doctors, unusually high doses and requests for early refills.

• The settlement also requires Walmart to strengthen pharmacy oversight, including monitoring dispensing patterns and creating a hotline for employees and patients to report suspected illegal activity.

Walmart has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a long-running federal lawsuit accusing the nation's largest retailer of improperly filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances.

The Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration announced the agreement, resolving allegations that Walmart pharmacies violated the federal Controlled Substances Act by filling thousands of prescriptions that should have been rejected.

The settlement brings an end to a case dating back nearly six years and adds another chapter to efforts by federal, state and local governments to hold pharmacies, drug manufacturers and distributors responsible for their alleged roles in the nation's opioid epidemic.

Importantly, the settlement does not amount to an admission of wrongdoing. The Justice Department said the claims being resolved are allegations and that there has been no determination of liability. Walmart said it was pleased to put the matter behind it and would continue supporting its pharmacists and their work providing patient care.

What the government alleged

The Justice Department filed its original lawsuit against Walmart in December 2020, alleging that the retailer repeatedly violated the Controlled Substances Act beginning in 2013.

Federal officials alleged Walmart pharmacists filled prescriptions even when there were warning signs suggesting they might not have been issued for a legitimate medical purpose.

Those red flags allegedly included prescriptions from doctors suspected of operating pill mills, dangerous combinations of opioids with other drugs, repeated prescriptions for unusually high doses and requests to refill controlled substances earlier than expected.

The government also alleged that Walmart's own pharmacists sometimes alerted the company's compliance operation about suspicious prescribers by submitting thousands of forms documenting their refusal to fill prescriptions.

According to the Justice Department, Walmart's corporate compliance team knew that some prescribers were suspected of operating pill mills but failed to adequately respond to pharmacists' concerns.

When the lawsuit was originally filed, the government also accused Walmart, which formerly distributed controlled substances to its own pharmacies, of failing to report suspicious drug orders to the DEA. At the time, federal officials said potential civil penalties could have totaled billions of dollars if the company were found liable.

Walmart will have to make changes

The agreement involves more than the $50 million payment.

Walmart has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the DEA requiring additional safeguards governing how its pharmacies dispense controlled substances.

Among other things, Walmart must establish a hotline that employees and patients can use to report suspected illegal dispensing. The retailer must also proactively monitor dispensing patterns at its pharmacies for signs of potentially illegal activity and maintain a process for evaluating doctors and other prescribers suspected of improper prescribing.

This $50 million settlement makes clear that pharmacies have a responsibility to identify and prevent the unlawful dispensing of controlled substances, DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz said in announcing the agreement.

Not Walmart's first opioid settlement

The federal settlement is separate from a much larger agreement Walmart previously reached with states, local governments and Native American tribes.

In 2022, Walmart agreed to a nationwide settlement worth more than $3 billion to resolve thousands of opioid-related claims. Walmart's financial filings show that it ultimately accrued about $3.3 billion for those settlements, including remediation payments, legal fees and other costs.

For consumers, the newest Walmart agreement is unlikely to produce individual payments. The $50 million resolves the federal government's Controlled Substances Act claims rather than establishing a consumer compensation fund.

Its more visible impact may instead be behind the pharmacy counter, where Walmart will face additional requirements designed to identify suspicious prescribing and dispensing before controlled substances reach patients.

The latest exchange of attacks makes the gas price outlook less certain

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Oil prices jumped more than 2% Monday after U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers and Iran retaliated, renewing fears that the conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

• Brent crude moved back above $90 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed above $85, reversing some of last weeks decline.

• American drivers are likely to feel the impact if oil remains elevated: the national average for regular gasoline is already about $4.08 a gallon, and another sustained rise in crude could push pump prices higher in September.

A renewed outbreak of fighting between the United States and Iran has quickly spilled into the energy markets, pushing crude oil prices sharply higher and raising the prospect of another increase in gasoline prices for American motorists.

Oil prices rose more than 2% in early trading Monday after U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. It was the first known U.S. military strike on Iran since late July. Iran responded by attacking two U.S. bases in Jordan, according to Iranian media.

Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, climbed about 2.5% to roughly $90.30 a barrel early Monday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose more than 2% to around $85.20. Later trading pushed oil even higher, with Brent topping $91 at one point.

The reaction underscores just how sensitive oil markets remain to developments involving Iran.

The biggest concern isn't necessarily Iran's own oil production. It's the Strait of Hormuz.

Why the Strait matters

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman has historically carried about one-fifth of the world's oil supplies. Any military action that threatens tankers or further restricts shipping can quickly add a "risk premium" to the price of crude.

Shipping through the strait has already been sharply reduced during the conflict. Reuters reported Monday that the number of visible commodity vessels passing through the waterway over the weekend had fallen to about five a day as shipping companies remained wary of attacks.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated earlier this month that disruptions connected with the Strait of Hormuz resulted in about 5.5 million barrels per day of oil production being shut in during July. EIA expects oil flows to recover gradually, but it warned that normal production and trade patterns may not return until early 2027.

That means even relatively limited military confrontations can move prices.

Analysts told Reuters that oil could remain in roughly an $85-to-$95-a-barrel range without greater clarity about the strait. A sustained disruption to tanker traffic or attacks on major oil infrastructure could send prices significantly higher.

What it means for gasoline prices

For consumers, the renewed oil-price increase comes at an especially bad time.

AAA says the national average price of regular gasoline is about $4.08 a gallon, compared with about $3.21 a year ago. August is on track to be the most expensive August on record for U.S. gasoline prices.

Crude oil is the largest single component of the retail price of gasoline, so a sustained increase in oil prices normally works its way through refineries and wholesale markets before showing up at service stations.

That doesn't mean Monday's jump will immediately produce a corresponding increase at the pump. Oil prices would have to remain elevated for several days or rise further before much of the increase would likely reach consumers.

There is also a seasonal factor working in motorists' favor. Gasoline demand normally begins declining after the summer driving season, and refineries eventually switch to less expensive winter-grade gasoline. Those factors can put downward pressure on prices during the fall.

But the Iran conflict could overwhelm some of that seasonal relief.

Some analysts say that if Brent remains above $90 and moves toward $95, motorists could see gasoline prices begin climbing again rather than falling after Labor Day. A more serious interruption of oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would pose a much greater risk and could send U.S. gasoline prices substantially higher.

Secondhand shopping has moved beyond dusty thrift-store racks to booming resale sites

• Used doesnt always mean cheap: Compare secondhand prices with current retail and sale prices before assuming youve found a bargain.

• Inspect before you buy: Ignore the size tag, check actual measurements, and look closely for costly problems like broken zippers, stains, holes, and worn-out soles.

• Compare resale sites: Check ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop, then factor in shipping and fees to make sure youre actually getting the best deal.

Thrift stores are having another moment.

Secondhand stores and online resale marketplaces are seeing renewed interest, particularly among younger shoppers looking for relief from higher prices in an attempt to stretch their clothing budgets.

But there's an important distinction bargain hunters should remember: Used doesn't automatically mean cheap.

A vintage Levi's jacket that originally landed in a thrift store for $12 might be re-listed online for $75. A pair of sneakers could cost nearly as much used as they do new. And shipping and marketplace fees can turn an apparent bargain into something much less impressive.

So, whether you're walking into Goodwill or scrolling from your couch, here's how to thrift smarter.

Know the price before you go hunting

For consumers, the thrill of thrifting often meets the danger of assuming anything secondhand must be a bargain.

Before buying a recognizable brand thats doesnt scream deal, spend 30 seconds searching for the same or similar item online. Check the manufacturer's current price as well as what comparable used items are actually selling for.

That's particularly important with brands that routinely go on sale. A used Carhartt shirt priced at $19 isn't impressive if the retailer frequently sells a new one for $29.

Pro tip: Search the exact brand and style number when you can find it on the tag. That's considerably more accurate than searching something generic like "Levi's men's jeans."

Look past the size on the tag

Anyone who has owned clothes for more than a few years knows a medium isn't always a medium.

Sizing can change drastically between brands and eras like 80s, 90, and Y2K. Also, its fairly common for vintage clothing to shrink or stretch after years of washing and wearing.

When buying online, exact measurements matter much more than the letter or number printed on the tag. For pants, ask for the actual waist, rise, and inseam. For shirts and jackets, chest width and length can save you from an expensive mistake.

Pro tip: Measure a shirt, jacket, and pair of pants you already own that fit perfectly. Save those measurements in your phone and use them as your personal thrift-shopping cheat sheet.

Don't be afraid of the men's (or women's) section

Thrift-store organization isn't an exact science and stuff can get spread all over the store.

A men's vintage sweater might end up in women's clothing. An oversized women's jacket could be exactly what a male shopper is looking for.

The same applies to sizes. People donate clothes that have shrunk, been altered, or were incorrectly sized to begin with.

If you're serious about finding something good, browse beyond the rack that supposedly belongs to you.

Inspect the expensive-to-fix stuff first

A missing button isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but something like a broken zipper on an expensive jacket just might be.

Before buying, get in the habit of inspecting the areas of items that are most likely to hide any problems. Specifically, think about zippers, cuffs, collars, underarms, crotch seams, and the soles of shoes.

Also, I like to hold clothing up to a bright light as it reveals any small holes and stains you might otherwise miss.

And while it sounds a little gross, give it a sniff. Smoke, mildew, and some strong odors can be surprisingly difficult to remove and can be a deal breaker.

Pro tip: Ask yourself whether you'd still buy the item if fixing it added $20 to the price. If the answer is no, put it back.

Shopping vintage online? The big three work very differently

Online resale eliminates the digging-through-racks part of thrifting, but each marketplace has a different personality.

Here are three of the biggest options and where each one shines.

1. ThredUp

ThredUp is best if you want online thrifting to feel like regular shopping. It's also probably the closest of the three to shopping at a conventional online clothing store.

The company describes itself as one of the world's largest online consignment and thrift stores and focuses heavily on women's and children's clothing, shoes, and accessories. It advertises merchandise for as much as 90% below estimated retail prices.

• Best for: Shoppers who don't want to negotiate with individual sellers and want to browse a huge, organized secondhand inventory.

• Top brands: ThredUp is especially good for shoppers who love J.Crew, LOFT, Banana Republic, Lululemon, Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, and Madewell.

• Watch out for: The "estimated retail" discount. A dress displayed as 70% off its estimated original price doesn't necessarily mean it's 70% cheaper than what you'd pay for a comparable dress today.

• Money-saving move: Search by the brands you already buy and know exactly how they fit. That way youll avoid any weird sizing differences that often comes with brands youre not super familiar with.

2. Poshmark

Poshmark is best for bargain hunters willing to negotiate and works much more like a giant collection of individual closets.

Sellers photograph and list their own merchandise, and buyers can either purchase at the listed price or make an offer. Poshmark says its community has more than 130 million registered users in the U.S. and Canada and has sold more than 350 million items.

The negotiation feature is where savvy shoppers can potentially save. Poshmark allows private offers and counteroffers, and shoppers buying multiple items from the same seller can create a bundle, which can also reduce shipping costs.

• Best for: Specific brands, shoes, handbags, jeans, and other items where you know exactly what you're looking for.

• Top brands: Theyre known for Coach, Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Nike, Michael Kors, Free People, Zara, and Levis.

• Watch out for: Returns are pretty limited when shopping on Poshmark. For example, most purchases are considered final sale except if the seller is at fault for an inaccurate description or quality issue. So don't assume you can return something simply because it doesn't fit or you dont like it.

• Money-saving move: Don't immediately hit "Buy Now." Always like the item first or make a reasonable offer. Poshmark sellers can send discounts to people who have liked their listings, and price drops can trigger notifications.

3. Depop

Depop is best for vintage, unusual pieces and for those who like to hunt for the popular trends. It feels less like an online thrift store and more like thrifting crossed with your social media feed.

The peer-to-peer marketplace has become particularly associated with vintage clothing, streetwear, Y2K styles, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Depop says it now has more than 56 million registered users.

Similar to eBay, sellers list and ship all their own merchandise. As a shopper, you can easily message sellers with specific questions and make purchases directly through the platform. Depop says U.S. sellers currently don't pay a selling fee, although payment-processing charges still apply; U.S. buyers can face a marketplace fee of up to 5% of the item's price plus a fixed amount of up to $1.

• Best for: Shoppers looking for vintage fashion, unusual pieces and styles that aren't hanging on every mall rack.

• Top brands: Look specifically for Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Carhartt, Dickies, Dr. Martens, Levis, Nike, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, Supreme, and The North Face.

• Watch out for: "Vintage" can be used pretty loosely online. A seller describing something as vintage doesn't necessarily make it rare or valuable.

• Money-saving move: Search the item's brand and description on other resale platforms before buying. That $80 "rare vintage" sweatshirt may be sitting on Poshmark for $35.

Search resale sites before buying new

Here's where secondhand shopping can become genuinely useful even if you don't consider yourself a thrift shopper. Before buying something new, run the exact item through Poshmark, Depop and ThredUp.

This works particularly well for clothes people frequently buy and barely wear. Stuff like special-occasion dresses, jackets, premium denim, children's clothing, and trendy pieces that may have spent more time in someone's closet than on their body.

You stand a great chance of finding the exact item you were about to buy new for considerably less.

Which online resale site should you use?

If you want the simplest experience, start with ThredUp. If you're hunting for a particular brand or item and enjoy negotiating, try Poshmark. If you're after vintage, streetwear, or something unusual, Depop is probably the most interesting place to dig.

But don't limit yourself to one. The beauty of online thrifting is that comparison shopping takes seconds. Search the same item across several platforms, factor in shipping and fees, check the measurements and inspect the photos carefully.

Because the goal isn't simply to buy something used, it's to buy something you'll actually wear for a price significantly less than retail.